Heart failure represents a significant, growing disease burden in the U.S., with more than 8 million cases expected by 2030. It is a leading cause of hospitalization in the U.S. and is associated with high readmission rates and poor outcomes – three-quarters of people hospitalized with heart failure die within five years. Heart failure refers to the inability of the heart to pump sufficient blood through the body. Although people living with heart failure can share common symptoms, the underlying causes that lead to their condition can differ; and they may fall at any point on the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF; typically with an LVEF at or below 40%) occurs when the left ventricle loses its ability to contract normally and therefore cannot generate the force needed to push enough blood out from the heart to the body. By contrast, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF; LVEF of at least 50%) is typically driven by chronic comorbid conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and obesity that, over time, cause the left ventricle to stiffen and lose its ability to relax normally. As a result, less blood than normal fills the left ventricle, meaning less blood is available to be pumped to the body.
The cardiovascular system is intricately linked with the renal and metabolic systems, and an ever-growing body of clinical data shows that diseases affecting one of these systems often exert negative effects on the others, resulting in the progression of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Patients with diabetes have more than double the risk for developing heart failure. Over 60% of heart failure patients have kidney disease and up to 45% of people with heart failure have diabetes. Conversely, improving the health of one system can lead to positive effects across the others and can help reduce the risk for further complications. Through research and treatments, with our partner Eli Lilly and Company, Boehringer Ingelheim is working to help those whose health is jeopardized by these conditions.
Because education is the first step to action, Boehringer Ingelheim is actively supporting diverse awareness programs for both healthcare professionals and patients to increase understanding of the interrelated C-R-M conditions and ways to improve health outcomes.
